Big-time Bellamy is buoyed up to tackle the Germans

WALES 2 LIECHTENSTEIN 0

Craig Bellamy can moan for Great Britain, never mind Wales, when the mood takes him.

If those in the vicinity fail to meet his lofty expectations, they know they are in for an earful - as team-mate Gareth Bale found out on Saturday evening after one misplaced pass in the second half.

But as countless colleagues, coaches and managers will tell you, Wales captain and West Ham striker Bellamy does not lack self-belief.

Upbeat: Welsh captain Craig Bellamy has a smile as his team overcome Liechtenstein 2-0

And, with the mother of all away fixtures - Germany - lying in wait on Wednesday, his enthusiasm is timely for John Toshack.

Immediately after a scoreline that was far less convincing than it should have been - not least due to Bellamy's poor finishing and an inspired day for Liechtenstein keeper Peter Jehle - the skipper was in an upbeat frame of mind.

That he had come unscathed through 80 minutes of action was cause enough for personal and club celebration.

But he maintains that Wales' record against European football's bigger teams gives cause for optimism and maintains he and his team-mates will be confident as they board the plane for Germany.

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The second-half performance against Euro 2008 semifinalists Russia was encouraging despite a 2-1 defeat and Bellamy said: 'We play better against the bigger teams, I don't know why.

'I've not scored against sides like . My goals have been against decent sides at international level - and there is no more decent team out there than Germany.

'It might sound strange, and it might be the fact we can play on the counter-attack or the mentality is different, but playing the bigger teams is easier because you know what you are up against. You know you will be up against it and you know you need to be on your game.

'Against Liechtenstein, there was no atmosphere in the crowd. I say that with respect to the fans that do turn up and try but in a largely empty stadium we need to generate it ourselves.

'The pitch at the Millennium is not the greatest. You can see that. They don't look after us here. It's a rugby pitch. 'So you can't just sit there against a team like Liechtenstein. You have to have a go.

Sometimes, though, it makes it a long afternoon for us.' With Bellamy back and fit and Jason Koumas still available, Toshack at least goes with an opportunity to score a goal. Last year, in Frankfurt, Wales came home with a point following a goalless draw.

A similar result would be greeted with delirium, especially after the Germans beat Group Four rivals Russia 2-1 on Saturday night.

After a bright start, when Bellamy saw a curling shot tipped on to the crossbar, Wales lost their way.

David Edwards' first goal at international level gave them breathing space before the captain pulled rank after Bale earned his team another penalty following the Tottenham full back's efforts in Moscow last month. Incredibly, for the third match in succession, Wales failed from the spot and Bellamy's effort was the worst of the lot, easily saved by Jehle.

But Ched Evans' header was deflected in by Liechtenstein striker Mario Frick 10 minutes from time to settle Toshack's nerves.

Larger than life: Wales boss John Toshack looks on as his side win at home

'It was that bad, their keeper almost dived over it,' said Bellamy of his penalty. 'It wasn't one of my best moments. But it was one moment.

'It's not the first one I've missed and I'm not going to beat myself up over it. It's someone else's turn next time.

'Jason Koumas wanted it again, so whoever wants it, they can have it. If not, I'll happily continue. Whoever takes the next one will feel the pressure after three misses. This is no laughing matter.'

It was no laughing matter, either for Franz Burgmeier, Darlington's full back, who played for Liechtenstein. Mick McCarthy's reported comments that his country were little more than a 'pub team' had not gone down too well.

Burgmeier said: 'I told my team-mates about what he said and it's a question of respect. We drew with Azerbaijan. I don't know whether he ever saw us play.

'Anyway, he was the Ireland coach 10 years ago when they drew in Liechtenstein. Maybe he forgot that.

'We are 11 professionals and he can come and watch us whenever he likes.'

Burgmeier also criticised referee Thomas Vejlgaard, saying: 'We expected a difficult game, but I thought the referee favoured Wales - particularly for their penalty, which came after our goalkeeper was fouled.